Egypt Wants Treasures Back | National Geographic

Summary

The video delves into the debate surrounding the ownership of the Rosetta Stone, one of Egypt’s most iconic artifacts. Dr. Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt’s Antiquities, advocates for its return to Egypt, emphasizing its cultural significance. The Rosetta Stone, pivotal in deciphering ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, has been housed in the British Museum for over two centuries, following its seizure from the French by the British. While some argue for its return based on cultural heritage, others believe its current location fosters global learning. Dr. Hawass hopes for a short-term loan of the artifact to Egypt's new Giza Museum, reflecting a desire to bridge historical divides.

Takeaways

• 😀 Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt's antiquities chief, is passionate about retrieving stolen Egyptian artifacts that are housed in museums around the world.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone is the most important Egyptian artifact, a symbol of Egypt’s identity, and Dr. Hawass hopes it will return to Egypt one day.
• 😀 The Rosetta Stone helped scholars crack the code of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs by comparing them to ancient Greek inscriptions.
• 😀 The British Museum has housed the Rosetta Stone for over 200 years, and it was originally seized by the British from the French during the Napoleonic Wars.
• 😀 The question of artifact ownership is complex, as the Rosetta Stone’s journey involved multiple parties, including the British and French.
• 😀 Gary von, director of the Walters Art Museum, argues that the Rosetta Stone’s current location is justified due to the work and knowledge involved in its discovery and preservation.
• 😀 The debate over ownership raises questions about cultural artifacts and their rightful location, such as the hypothetical situation of Egypt taking British monuments like Stonehenge.
• 😀 Museums of world civilizations, such as the British Museum, provide opportunities for learning, comparison, and global understanding of cultural heritage.
• 😀 Dr. Hawass continues to advocate for the return of Egyptian artifacts, including a request for the Rosetta Stone to be exhibited in Cairo for three months after the Giza Museum opens in 2012.
• 😀 Despite the long history of the Rosetta Stone being in the British Museum, Dr. Hawass believes it is vital for Egyptians to access and view the artifact in their homeland.
• 😀 The ongoing debate about the return of cultural artifacts, like the Rosetta Stone, reflects the tension between historical acquisition and modern cultural pride.

Q & A

What is Dr. Zahi Hawass' primary concern regarding Egyptian artifacts in foreign museums?

Dr. Zahi Hawass is concerned that foreign museums are stealing Egyptian artifacts, which damages the cultural value of the tombs and civilization itself. He believes that these artifacts should be returned to Egypt to preserve their significance.

What specific items does Dr. Hawass want to see returned to Egypt?

Dr. Hawass has a wish list of items, including the Bust of Nefertiti, the Zodiac of Dendera, the statue of the architect of the Great Pyramid, and the Rosetta Stone, which he considers the greatest prize.

Why is the Rosetta Stone so important to Egyptian heritage?

The Rosetta Stone is considered one of the most important Egyptian artifacts because it allowed scholars to decode ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs by comparing the inscriptions with ancient Greek, providing the key to understanding the Egyptian language.

How did the Rosetta Stone end up in the British Museum?

The Rosetta Stone came to the British Museum after being discovered by Napoleon's archaeologists during his invasion of Egypt. When the British defeated Napoleon, they seized the artifacts Napoleon had collected, including the Rosetta Stone.

How long has the Rosetta Stone been on display in the British Museum?

The Rosetta Stone has been on display at the British Museum for over 200 years.

What argument does Dr. Hawass present regarding the location of the Rosetta Stone?

Dr. Hawass argues that the Rosetta Stone should be returned to Egypt, where it has historical and cultural significance. He believes that the value of the stone lies in Egypt, not in museums abroad.

What is the British Museum's stance on returning the Rosetta Stone?

The British Museum's spokeswoman, Hannah Bolton, asserts that the Rosetta Stone has been part of the museum's collection for over two centuries, and its presence there is historically significant. The museum argues that it has an important role in making the stone accessible to the world.

What does Gary von, the director of the Walters Art Museum, say about ownership of historical artifacts?

Gary von emphasizes that the Rosetta Stone did not come with an inherent label stating its importance. He acknowledges that both the English and French contributed to understanding the artifact's significance, and thus, there is a complex question of metaphysical ownership.

What comparison does Gary von make to further explain his point about ownership?

Gary von compares the situation to a hypothetical scenario where Egyptians invade Britain, discover artifacts like Stonehenge, and take them back to Egypt. He suggests that Britain would likely feel justified in asking for the return of these artifacts, which brings up the issue of rightful ownership.

What has Dr. Hawass proposed regarding the future display of the Rosetta Stone?

Dr. Hawass has proposed that the Rosetta Stone be loaned to Egypt for a temporary exhibition in Cairo when Egypt's new Giza Museum opens in 2012. He envisions it being displayed for a few months, as part of an effort to bring important artifacts back to Egypt.